Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Do you have a degree in a built environment discipline and want to take the next step? Dive into the exciting world of construction management and begin a rewarding career in one of the fastest-growing industries. Deakin's Graduate Diploma of Construction Management offers a case-based approach to learning, combining theory with practice. By gaining a basic understanding of the construction industry and construction projects, you will graduate ready to confidently transition into the industry.
The course is also the perfect pathway for graduates with professional experience in construction, through public or private enterprises, keen to formalise their entry into the construction management profession. You will work in a multi-disciplinary context to gain knowledge on construction management, quantity surveying, Building Information Modelling, and environmental systems.
Ready to construct the career you’ve always imagined?
Delve into the heart of construction management and gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry's fundamental principles. You will explore topics like procurement strategies, cost planning, and building project evaluation, laying the groundwork for a successful career in the industry.
Gain valuable experience through engaging in specific case scenarios that resemble real-world situations, learning practical skills you can directly apply in your future career. You will learn from industry-connected teachers who bring years of practical experience and expertise to the classroom, tapping into their industry ideas and more importantly, their professional networks. Our state-of-the-art facilities and workshops will also provide you with the tools and resources needed to step into the workforce with confidence.
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma, you will also have the opportunity to further your learning by studying construction management at masters degree level, unlocking new opportunities for career advancement and specialisation.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Construction Management
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- S691
- CRICOS code?
- 0101387 Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Construction Management, students must pass 8 credit points, which include the following:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- SRA710 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point unit) as a co-requisite for SRM776 Introduction to Construction Management.
- 7 core units
- 1 level 7 open elective unit
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
7
Core units
1
Elective units
8
Total
Core Units
Year 1 - Trimester 1
Year 1 - Trimester 2
Plus one level 7 open elective. Students choosing Deakin's microcredentials (0.5cp) through our Stackable short courses as electives must take at least 2 microcredentials to equate to 1 credit point of study.
*Unit offered in Trimester 1 and Trimester 3
^ Unit offered in every trimester
~ Completion of STP710 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) as a co-requisite
Stackable short courses
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 cp microcredentials) to earn up to 1 credit point of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Deakin stackable short course options.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline*
- completion of a bachelor's degree in any discipline and at least 1 year of relevant work experience^ (or part-time equivalent)
- at least 3 years of relevant professional work experience^ (or part-time equivalent)
* related discipline include architecture, building, civil engineering, property, quantity surveying, building surveying and construction management.
^ relevant professional work experience include architect, building designer, civil engineer, construction site/project manager, estimator, quantity surveyor, contract administrator, building inspector, building surveyor, property consultant.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
There is strong demand for articulation by industry professionals from related disciplines such as architecture, property and engineering. This course provides opportunities for those people while also acknowledging their prior experience and knowledge.
Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Construction Management you can further your studies into:
S791 Master of Construction Management
S792 Master of Construction Management (Professional)
Further study options
There is strong demand for articulation by industry professionals from related disciplines such as architecture, property and engineering. This course provides opportunities for those people while also acknowledging their prior experience and knowledge.
Students have the opportunity to transfer to S791 Master of Construction Management according to Deakin University regulations and processes.
Careers
Career outcomes
As a graduate from a university in the top 150 globally for architecture and built environment subjects*, you will be prepared for a diverse career in the construction industry. You will be equipped with the skills to succeed in areas such as quantity surveying and construction management – ranging from positions in construction companies to roles in quantity surveying, project management, and construction consultancy.
As well as this, you will be eligible for relevant positions in the property development arms of government departments and commercial companies such as banks, retailers, and manufacturers.
Not only will you find work across a range of areas, but across the globe if you wish. Get set to take your skills far and wide as you pursue a career overseas – whether it be Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or North America.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Architecture & Built Environment.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop and demonstrate a complex body of knowledge of construction management, systems and practices, cost planning, economics and control, and information management in order to manage construction companies and projects. |
| Communication | Communicate clearly, professionally and responsibly with specialist and non-specialist audiences in a variety of contexts using oral, written, graphical and interpersonal skills to inform, negotiate, and contribute within a project team. |
| Digital literacy | Apply knowledge of relevant technical tools and methodologies to locate, collect, analyse and synthesise complex information from a variety of sources to prepare cost benefit plans and environment implication analyses for construction projects. Use digital technologies, including information systems to evaluate and assess modelling and scenario building. |
| Critical thinking | Use expert reasoning and analysis skills, drawing on knowledge and information from a range of professional or scholarly sources to reflect on, analyse and synthesise complex legal, economic and environmental influences and impacts for collaboratively and independently planning and making decisions in construction. |
| Problem solving | Demonstrate autonomy and well-developed judgement to independently and collaborative generate strategies and solutions to manage construction projects at various stages including planning, implementing, construction and evaluation of the built environment. |
| Global citizenship | Engage ethically and professionally when working in a variety of construction management situations both nationally and globally. |